Harbaugh has ‘definitely noticed’ Seahawks’ PEDs suspensions

Coach Jim Harbaugh has “definitely noticed” the string of performance-enhancing-drug suspensions that have hit the 49ers’ chief division rival, the Seattle Seahawks, over the past 18 months.

“It has no place in an athlete’s body,” Harbaugh said of performance-enhancing drugs in general. “Play by the rules.

“You want to be above reproach, especially when you’re good, because you don’t want people to come back and say, ‘They’re winning because they’re cheating.’ That’s always going to be a knee-jerk reaction from people I’ve found in my experience, ever since I was a little kid.”

The Seahawks, who finished a half-game behind the 49ers in last season’s NFC West standings, have had six players test positive for performance-enhancing substances since December 2011. Only cornerback Richard Sherman escaped a four-game suspension upon appeal.

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Harbaugh, speaking at the start of the 49ers’ three-day minicamp, did not chastise the Seahawks directly for the officially undisclosed violations.

“You don’t know what it is,” Harbaugh said of the drugs in question. “Even when people say what it is, but you don’t know that’s what it is. That’s usually the players or agents themselves who may say, for example, it’s Adderall.

“But the NFL doesn’t release what it actually is. You’re taking someone at their word and I don’t know you can take them at their word, understanding the circumstance.”

Harbaugh said the 49ers have a “constant theme” warning their players about banned substances.

Last month, defensive end Bruce Irvin became the latest Seahawks players to draw a PED suspension. Others since December 2011 have been handed down to guard John Moffitt, offensive tackle Allen Barbre, safety Winston Guy and safety Brandon Browner.

Linebacker Larry Grant, who played the past two seasons for the 49ers, drew a four-game suspension last month for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Grant is currently a free agent, and he’s issued a statement claiming he did not knowingly take a banned substance.